International Union of Research Commission (IUR)

Statement of IUR mission

The optimum basis for a sustainable leather industry is a high performance leather article and a positive image of the leather making process. The development of a best practice technology, continuous improvement of the leather making process, and development of state-of-the-art eco-friendly chemicals are keys for success. These need to be supported by sound scientific processes and entrepreneurial innovation. It is the aim of the IUR to encourage global research projects and establish technology platforms to meet these requirements.

IUR Criteria for Platform Technologies

IUR criteria for platform technologies include Research and Development projects for:

New chemicals, which are safe in use and harmless to health and environment after application

New process technologies, which minimize the generation of waste, by-products and pollution of waste water

New process technologies, which lead to a better carbon footprint of leather (? minimize energy consumption)

New engineering technologies and applications, which offer reuse or recycling options for generated process waste

leather articles with a long durability, good biodegradability or new recycling options

In early 2010 the IUR released a certification process which would recognize legitimate R&D projects in institutes, companies and universities testifying that the proposed project would:

Conform to industry approved Research Platforms,

Meet minimum scientific criteria for integrity of research design,

Address identified needs of the global leather industry.

It is our belief that certification from a global authenticating body such as the IUR could elevate the importance of a proposed project in an appropriation request or project funding competition, thus assisting the applicant in obtaining necessary project funding by allowing the project to get prioritized above other R&D proposals.

The IUR can ensure applicants that any identified confidential information provided for evaluation will not be disclosed and will be treated with 100% confidentiality if requested.

The intent of this process is to once again promote the use of this available instrument. Application for certification is simple and provides legitimate support from the IULTCS for leather projects.

More detailed process information and the necessary application steps are laid out in the attachments below.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me directly by email if there are any questions (lazugno@buckman.com)

2018 IULTCS/Lear Corporation Young Leather Scientist Grant

The 4 th edition of the Young Leather Scientist Grant has been lunched. We encourage the participation by submitting the Completed Application Form to Dr. Luis A. Zugno lazugno@buckman.com by October 31, 2017